Criza din Strâmtoarea Ormuz stimulează cererea globală de cărbune, care va atinge un nivel record în 2026 - AIE - Economica.net

Global coal demand is expected to rise by 1.2% by 2026, reaching a record 8.94 billion tons, driven by higher natural gas prices due to disruptions in LNG transport through the Strait of Hormuz. This marks a reversal from previous forecasts predicting a slight decline in coal demand. Increased coal usage for electricity generation is noted in regions with both gas and coal power plants, particularly in Europe, Japan, South Korea, and China. The future of coal demand hinges on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, as a recovery in LNG deliveries could lead to a decrease in coal consumption. Meanwhile, global coal production is projected to decline in 2026 due to reduced output in China, the largest producer, following safety inspections after a mining accident. The combination of higher demand and tighter supply is expected to exert upward pressure on coal prices globally.